Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Transportation and material moving / 53-6011.00

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.

US jobs
3,040
Median wage
$57,700 a year
Job family
Transportation and material moving

Can agents do the work of bridge and lock tenders?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Transportation and material moving: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)

No direct benchmark gives a success rate.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 20%Operate transportation equipment or vehiclesNot measured
  • 16%Monitor operations to ensure adequate performanceNot measured
  • 14%Maintain operational recordsNot measured
  • 10%Direct vehicle trafficNot measured
  • 9%Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areasNot measured
  • 7%Notify others of emergencies or problemsNot measured
  • 6%Prepare reports of operational or procedural activitiesNot measured
  • 5%Monitor safety or security of work areas, facilities, or propertiesNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in transportation and material moving, not always this occupation's tasks.

Direct evidence

Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.

  • Waymo Safety Impact data hubby WaymoTask level · Reduction in any-injury-reported crashes vs human benchmark
    82%Waymo Driver (rider-only, 220.6M miles through March 2026) · Mar 2026
    Unrated

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
  • Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
  • Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
  • Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
  • Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
  • Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
  • Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
  • Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
  • Prepare accident reports.
  • Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
  • Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
  • Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Other job titles for this occupation (32)

Bridge Operator · Bridge Tender · Lock Tender · Bridge Crew Member · Bridge Leverman · Bridge Opener · Bridge Saw Operator · Bridgeman · Crossing Tender · Crossing Watchman · Dam Attendant · Dam Operator · Dam Repairer · Dam Tender · Draw Operator · Drawbridge Operator · Drawbridge Tender · Gate Attendant · Leverman · Lighthouse Keeper · Lock and Dam Operator · Lock and Dam Repairer · Lock Keeper · Lock Master · Lock Operator · Lock Repairer · Lock Tender Operator · Lockman · Locks Tender · Marine Tower Operator · Slip Bridge Operator · Station Gateman